Inspiration: 45 Examples of Illustrative Lettering in Vector

From the very first Phoenician alphabet, through Chinese calligraphy, to illuminated manuscripts, and to desktop publishing, the written word has been one of our primary means of communication. Not content with plain text on a blank background, artists through the centuries have created beautiful, awe-inspiring designs with type. Whether its purpose is to inspire or identify, illustrative lettering communicates to the heart as well as the head.

With the advancement of vector drawing software, lettering has exploded as an artform. Infinite variations can be made with the click of a mouse. And though vector artists are not toiling by candlelight, hunched over a stone tablet or quill pen, their art is no less amazing in its beauty and complexity.

Flourishes

Scribes and engravers used to decorate their letterforms by hand. Intricate floral accents were drawn by skilled artisans using French Curves and other tools. Today's designers often start with an existing typeface and embellish it with vector flourishes, bringing together the art of type designer and the illustrator.

Antique

The use of antique, analog type effects have become a recent stylistic trend. The popularization of the steampunk aesthetic, and perhaps a nostalgia for a simpler time, have renewed interest in 19th century Egyptienne typefaces and ornamentation that are the hallmark of this style.

"Stone Sour" by GoMedia. Take a look at the process behind this design here.

Graffiti/Airbrush

This fun style takes its inspiration from the 1970s street culture of graffiti taggers and lowrider airbrush artists. Vector artists can put a new spin on this retro look, without getting their hands dirty!

Objects and Faces

In these examples, the text serves as a textural, sculptural element, becoming an object itself. This style's origins can be traced to Surrealism and Art Nouveau, and was popularized on the psychedelic concert posters of the 1960's. Sergio Moctezuma's iconic James Brown poster, created with Illustrator, revived interest in this style for the digital age. NOTE: TutsPlus members can download Russell Tate's tutorial detailing his method for recreating the Moctezuma style here.